The type of Spanish rice traditionally used to make paella is under threat from a fungus after the European Union banned a pesticide that farmers say they trust.
Three rice producers in the Valencia region said in an interview with CNN that the Bomba rice harvest, grown mainly in Spain, fell to half the 10-year average in 2023, due to the presence of the Pyricularia fungus, which causes “disease” in rice.
“It is very likely that it will disappear,” lamented Miguel Minguet, a rice farmer in the Albufera Natural Park, in Valencia. “Our harvest will be lost due to regulations,” he added.
Bomba rice is popular for cooking paella because it “expands like an accordion” when heated, meaning it is difficult to overcook it, explained Rafael Vidal, a well-known paella chef who offers cooking classes at his restaurant near Valencia.
According to CNN, Spanish farmers have been protesting across the country in recent days, and the clashes highlight the EU’s struggle to reconcile its sustainability efforts with the goal of becoming more self-sufficient in food production.
Given the situation, President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Tuesday 6th the withdrawal of the EU plan aimed at halving the use of pesticides.
The decline in Bomba rice production has caused prices to rise over the past three years, selling for more than five euros (R$26) per kilo in large retailers such as Carrefour and Ahorramas.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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